venice biennale special  VENICE. This year's Venice Biennale, which previewed yesterday to invited critics, curators, gallerists, collectors and the press, is also expected to attract some of the world's leading political figures to the exhibitions in the Giardini, Arsenale and around the city. According to Il Gazzettino, Venice's local newspaper, Shimon Peres, the president of Israel, and Cristina Fernandez Kirchner, the president of Argentina, are due to visit this week, while the heads of state of Australia, Azerbaijan, Montenegro and Georgia are also expected.  “After Venice and New York my art as you know it is finished,” says Maurizio Cattelan Two exhibitions in Venice include works by international artists never before shown by the collector The Fondazione Prada is working with the Qatar Museums Authority to bring exhibitions to both countries An exhibition to help save the sinking city draws art world luminaries Bice Curiger, curator of this year’s Venice Biennale, says its scope still makes the exhibition unique What’s the point of international art festivals like Venice, Folkestone and Yokohama, all on this summer? The artist, showing in the Italian Pavilion, shares his favourite spots all articles  offers Venice pocket guide  Free with the June issue: essential Venice Biennale Pocket guide with maps and listings on all collateral events and national pavilions. Download the guide (PDF)
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